Seeing the Flare Before It Strikes: Israeli Breakthrough in Crohn’s Care
By: Aaron Herman
One of the cruelest aspects of chronic illness is its unpredictability: the sense that, at any moment, life can be upended by pain, anxiety, and uncertainty. For millions living with Crohn’s disease and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that unpredictability isn’t an abstraction — it’s daily reality. These conditions don’t just affect the gut; they disrupt plans, darken vacations, interrupt work, and erode quality of life.
Today, thanks to Israeli ingenuity, that narrative may be changing. Two bold technologies emerging from Israeli labs are beginning to unravel a longstanding medical mystery: Can we know a flare-up is coming before symptoms hit? The answer — increasingly, yes. And it could transform how we think about chronic illness itself.
From Reactive to Predictive: A New Era in Chronic Disease Management
Until now, doctors have largely treated Crohn’s and IBD as reactive conditions. Medications are adjusted after inflammation is identified through symptoms or invasive testing. But what if patients and clinicians could anticipate flares — and intervene before inflammation escalates?
In Israel, two researchers are building just that.
- At the Weizmann Institute of Science, Ph.D. candidate Nachi Natan is pioneering a synthetic biology approach that uses genetically engineered bacteria to detect the earliest inflammatory activity deep within the gut. When these microbes sense inflammation, they produce a signal detectable through a simple urine test — an early warning system, long before pain sets in.
- Meanwhile, cancer researcher and Ph.D. candidate Ofir Bar has developed Wellnitor, a smart, wearable patch that continuously monitors physiological markers of stress — an often overlooked but powerful trigger for flare-ups. Data from the patch, analyzed by artificial intelligence, can alert patients and doctors when the risk of a flare is rising.
Together, these technologies offer a two-pronged strategy: track the “fire” of inflammation and the “spark” of stress that ignites it. In doing so, they promise something entirely new — a real-time window into what was once invisible.
Why This Matters — Beyond Clinical Metrics
Inflammatory bowel disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide and its flare-ups can lead to severe pain, hospitalization, and long-term intestinal damage. But the impact is not just physical — it’s psychological. Patients often live with a kind of “flare fear,” adjusting life around uncertainty: trips deferred, meetings canceled, plans shelved.
A future where we can spot a flare before it strikes is more than technological progress — it’s psychological liberation.
Imagine:
- Being able to plan a family vacation without fear
- Knowing when to adjust therapy before the storm hits
- Reducing hospital admissions and invasive tests
- Giving clinicians actionable real-time data, not guesswork
This is not a cure — but it is control. And for chronic disease, control can feel as valuable as treatment.
Israeli Innovation: Collaboration That Works
These breakthroughs were nurtured at the Teva BioInnovators Forum 2025, a year-long innovation accelerator that brings together academia and industry to translate scientific discovery into real-world solutions.
What’s striking isn’t just the ingenuity of the technologies themselves — it’s the ecosystem that made them possible: academic talent, strategic industry partnership, and a national culture that prizes bold experimentation.
Dr. Dana Bar-On, head of academic collaborations at Teva, captured it well: Israeli science isn’t just smart; it’s purpose-driven. These projects emerged not from theoretical curiosity alone, but from a genuine desire to transform patient lives.
What Patients and Providers Are Looking For
Doctors have long recognized that stress and inflammation go hand in hand. Research shows that patients with high stress levels are up to 3.6 times more likely to experience flare-ups — a stark reminder that mind and body are deeply interconnected.
Yet until now, we lacked tools capable of tracking that interplay in real time. Wellnitor’s wearable patch and Navigut’s synthetic biology diagnostics are the kinds of tools that move us from hypothesis to practice — from vague intuition to precise, actionable data.
A Hopeful Vision of the Future
We are still early in this story. These technologies are not yet standard clinical practice. But they show the promise of a future where chronic diseases like Crohn’s don’t strike blindly or unpredictably. A future where suffering doesn’t wait for symptoms.
Israel has become a global hub for medical innovation, not just in pharmaceuticals or devices, but in the humanization of care, where cutting-edge science meets everyday human need.
For the millions who live with Crohn’s and IBD, that innovation is not just news — it’s hope.
From Digital Defense to Soldier Support: The Organizations Rebuilding Israel
By: Aaron Herman
From Fighting Online Antisemitism to Operation Israel to the Simchat Torah Challenge—seven leaders reveal the infrastructure sustaining Israel through a decade-long recovery
WASHINGTON—When Jewish Federations of North America closed its $908 million Israel Emergency Campaign last week and launched Rebuild Israel, the message was clear: the crisis phase has ended. The reconstruction era—estimated at seven to ten years—has begun.
But what does national reconstruction actually look like on the ground? Who is doing the work? And what are they discovering about Israeli society’s breaking points, resilience mechanisms, and deepest needs?
At the General Assembly, I interviewed seven organizational leaders operating across Israel’s most critical frontlines: digital security, military welfare, community rehabilitation, family support, emergency medicine, spiritual renewal, and agricultural recovery. From Tomer Aldubi combating industrial-scale digital hate, to Adi Vaxman supporting 90,000 soldiers, to Neri Shotan managing decade-long kibbutz reconstruction—their testimonies reveal a portrait of a nation not just defending itself, but fundamentally rethinking how diaspora partnership can be embedded into long-term civil resilience.
These are the organizations—and the people—holding Israel together.
Fighting Digital Hate at Industrial Scale
Fighting Online Antisemitism (FOA), founded in 2020 by Tomer Aldubi, has become a critical infrastructure in protecting Jewish communities from digital harassment. As a designated “Trusted Flagger” on major platforms, FOA achieved a 40% content removal rate in 2024—nearly double the standard user report success rate.
The organization’s pre-October 7 systems “prevented a collapse” when antisemitic content exploded globally, Aldubi said. Recent interventions include documenting violations that led to the suspension of extremist influencer Nick Fuentes from X, and rapid-response protection for a 16-year-old Israeli girl in London who was doxed and targeted by peers.
“We want anyone being targeted online to know there is a professional response system ready to help,” Aldubi said.
Watch the full interview with Tomer Aldubi
Grassroots Volunteer Army Supports 90,000 Soldiers
Operation Israel emerged from Adi Vaxman’s sleepless night in New Jersey on October 7, when she watched footage from Sderot and felt “the first moment in my life that I felt actually helpless.”
Within hours, a call from a friend whose lone soldier son lacked basic protective equipment—ceramic vests, helmets—set Vaxman in motion. She maxed out personal and company credit cards for $162,000 worth of IDF-approved gear.
What began as a single mother’s desperation has grown into an $11 million operation that has shipped over 100,000 items to 90,000 soldiers—run entirely by volunteers with zero salaries and zero administrative overhead.
But Vaxman warns the war continues: “There are 900 smuggling drones coming over the border from Egypt every month. Soldiers are still fighting in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria.”
Most troubling: 64 IDF soldiers have died by suicide since October 7. Operation Israel now runs trauma-processing workshops and distributes letters from children to soldiers. One soldier said the letters “saved my eyes… and my soul.”
“People think the war is over,” Vaxman said. “Funding has been ridiculously difficult. But the mission continues—with or without headlines.”
Watch full interview with Dr. Adi Vaxman
Kibbutz Movement Faces Decade-Long Reconstruction
More than 300 kibbutz members were murdered on October 7—representing a quarter of all civilian deaths. Neri Shotan, head of the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund, estimates full reconstruction will require seven to ten years.
“Probably 100% of Israelis are carrying PTSD,” Shotan said. “Our communities were the first line—maintaining the borders has always been the Zionist mission.”
Thirty thousand kibbutz residents remain displaced. Some families won’t return due to trauma, prompting recruitment efforts to strengthen communities in the Gaza envelope and northern border regions.
Alarming trends are emerging: rising teen substance use and increased mortality among elderly returnees. “We treat the community like a patient,” Shotan said. “We need to bring it back to life.”
Watch the full interview with Neri Shotan
20,000 Volunteers Mobilize for Reservist Families
When 360,000 reservists were called up, their families faced immediate crisis. Former Knesset member Rachel Azaria launched HaOgen from a single Facebook post. The organization now mobilizes 20,000 volunteers across 1,000 localities to support 35,000 households.
The organization has prevented a PhD candidate from abandoning her degree through emergency childcare, and supported a new mother whose husband returned to Gaza 48 hours after their baby’s birth.
“Thirty percent of reservist families are talking about divorce,” Azaria said. HaOgen is now expanding into trauma counseling and family resilience programs with formal IDF backing for at least three years.
Watch the full interview with Rachel Azaria
Magen David Adom: Engineering Life-Saving Systems
Israel’s national emergency medical service has engineered split-second response protocols that represent what paramedic Itai Orion calls “entering people’s lives at their most vulnerable moment.”
The system includes immediate connection to medics through the 101 emergency line, dispatcher access to live GPS and camera feeds (with consent), and a national registry of 50,000 automated external defibrillators that guides bystanders in real time.
MDA supplies all blood to the IDF and Israeli hospitals. Since October 7, field medics carry refrigerated blood—cutting preventable hemorrhage deaths by more than half. The underground, fortified Marcus National Blood Services Center ensures supply continuity even during missile barrages.
Watch the full interview with Itai Orion
The Simchat Torah Challenge: Reclaiming Identity Through Torah
While most post-October 7 initiatives focused on defense and security, one philanthropist took a different approach: responding to identity crisis with identity itself.
“We didn’t need another anti-antisemitism project,” said Tanya Singer, who leads the Simchat Torah Challenge. “We needed something that grounded us in Torah and reminded us who we are.”
The initiative hoped to engage 10,000 Jews in reading the weekly Torah portion. They reached that number in five weeks. Today, nearly 30,000 Jews participate.
But the most revealing moment came when the organization offered free Chumashim. Within days, they had distributed nearly 1,000 physical books—and had to temporarily suspend the offer because demand exceeded supply.
“Jews after October 7 had an itch to scratch,” Singer said. “There was a discomfort. People didn’t know exactly what they were searching for, but they needed something.”
The fact that October 7 fell on Simchat Torah embedded trauma into the holiday itself. The Challenge reframes that memory—reclaiming the day not by ignoring pain, but by transforming it into renewed engagement with Jewish text and tradition.
“My hope is that Jews lean into learning Torah,” Singer said, “and that every Jew feels connected to Torah and sees themselves in the story.”
Watch the full interview with Tanya Singer
From Emergency to Reconstruction
JFNA has closed its historic $908 million Israel Emergency Campaign and launched Rebuild Israel, shifting focus from crisis to long-term reconstruction.
The emergency campaign delivered 4,200-plus grants to 877 NGOs and 208 communities. The Joint Distribution Committee assisted over one million Israelis, while the Jewish Agency supported nearly 20,000 terror-affected families.
Rebuild Israel now targets mental health, education, economic recovery, and agriculture. Hamas deliberately destroyed farms in the Negev that supply most of Israel’s vegetables. JFNA has allocated $12.5 million to help farmers replant.
“Hamas tried to destroy our identity and our agriculture,” said Moran Freibach of Kibbutz Nahal Oz. “Our answer is to return to our fields and make them green again.”
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
From digital battlefields to displaced communities, from reservist families to agricultural rehabilitation, from trauma response to spiritual renewal—Israel’s recovery demands sustained global Jewish partnership and strategic investment.
The Simchat Torah Challenge reveals something profound about this moment: when Jews search for strength under existential threat, many instinctively reach for Torah. Not because it’s old, but because it’s foundational. Not to escape reality, but to ground themselves in it.
As Vaxman put it: “The IDF is defending Western civilization. It is our duty to help them so our children can walk free wearing their Jewish stars—as jewelry, not as a yellow star on their sleeve.”
And as Singer framed it: when the world shifts under our feet, the response isn’t only defensive—it’s a return to what is steady, eternal, and ours.
The Power of Digital Tools to Defeat Antisemitism
By: Aaron Herman
Antisemitism has adapted to the digital age, spreading through social platforms, recommendation systems, and encrypted channels with unprecedented speed. The answer cannot be nostalgia for a bygone era; it must be a confident, democratic embrace of technology to defend truth, protect Jewish communities, and reinforce the rule of law. Democracies are already mobilizing: both the United States and the European Union have clarified that combating antisemitism online is a strategic priority tied to safeguarding open society, countering disinformation, and upholding human dignity. This is the work of principled, values-driven governance—strengthening civil society and responsible innovation against a very old hatred weaponized by modern networks .
First, detection and enforcement must keep pace with the velocity of hate. Platforms should operationalize clear standards, build robust detection pipelines for antisemitic content, and enforce rules consistently. Washington’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism calls on online platforms to explicitly cover antisemitism in their terms of service, improve enforcement, increase transparency, and invest in safety-by-design—recognizing that the private sector plays a decisive role in reducing harm at scale . Civil-society researchers have documented the ways antisemitism travels across social media, how it spikes in moments of crisis, and how lax enforcement or vague policies allow it to metastasize; better rules and more predictable enforcement are not a luxury, but a democratic obligation . The ADL’s recurring measurements of online hate underscore persistent gaps in platform tools and user protections, reinforcing the need for stronger product safeguards, streamlined reporting options, and better redress for victims of coordinated harassment .
Second, data-driven monitoring—the disciplined, transparent tracking of antisemitic narratives—transforms public pressure into policy progress. CyberWell’s open database projects demonstrate how structured evidence can help platforms recognize patterns quickly, tighten enforcement, and remove content that violates their own standards . Their reporting during the Israel–Hamas war and in the months that followed documented surges in classic antisemitic tropes and direct incitement, connecting online rhetoric to offline fear and intimidation—evidence that has galvanized stakeholders to demand faster, fairer enforcement . These initiatives bolster democratic oversight: when civil society can quantify abuse and publish the data, it becomes harder for companies to ignore clear violations and easier for regulators and advertisers to insist on standards .
Third, education and memory work at digital scale are essential to inoculate society against denial and distortion. European strategy highlights the role of combating disinformation and cultivating digital literacy so citizens can recognize propaganda, conspiracy thinking, and the deliberate twisting of history. Holocaust remembrance initiatives adapted for online audiences—survivor testimony, verified archives, and curated exhibits—do more than transmit facts; they connect human stories to democratic responsibilities, strengthening the moral immune system that counters denial, relativization, and the algorithmic recycling of ancient slanders. In moments when lies outpace truth, credible digital memory is a form of social resilience .
Fourth, shared definitions and standards clarify what must be detected and deterred. The U.S. strategy affirms the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism as a useful tool, including for training moderators and informing policy design, while encouraging context-sensitive application . Researchers are also advancing operational work to translate definitions into machine-readable signals without reducing complex harms to simplistic labels. This includes careful efforts to align AI detection with research on how antisemitism manifests linguistically and contextually online. The goal is consistent: ensure both humans and machines can recognize antisemitism accurately, reduce false negatives that allow abuse to spread, and minimize false positives that chill legitimate speech.
Fifth, confronting disinformation and synthetic media is now part of counter-antisemitism strategy. The EU’s approach integrates antisemitism with the broader fight against malign manipulation and conspiracy propaganda, which often rely on decontextualized clips, deceptive edits, and coordinated networks to inflame hatred and mainstream extremist narratives. Platforms and publishers need provenance and transparency tools, clear labeling for manipulated content, and rapid response protocols for high-velocity falsehoods that target Jewish people and institutions. This is not content control for its own sake; it is democratic hygiene in an age of weaponized ambiguity .
Sixth, accountability is a team sport. The U.S. strategy advances a whole-of-society framework: platforms commit to clear rules and enforcement; government convenes, coordinates, and sets expectations; researchers and NGOs provide independent measurement; and citizens are empowered with reporting tools, safety controls, and digital literacy resources . ADL’s findings—across multiple years—show why this partnership matters: without sustained external pressure and cooperation, companies underinvest in prevention, leave victims without adequate remedies, and allow hostile actors to exploit platform features at scale. Transparency reporting, independent audits, and data-sharing with trusted researchers are essential to move from episodic crackdowns to durable safety-by-design .
Seventh, crisis readiness has to be built in advance. Antisemitic narratives spike during geopolitical shocks, terror attacks, and heated news cycles; slowing amplification requires pre-positioned policies, pre-trained classifiers, pre-authorized civil-society notifier channels, and cross-company coordination to close evasion loopholes. CyberWell’s wartime monitoring and Yom HaShoah trend analysis underscore the predictability of specific slurs, denial tactics, and calls to violence—patterns that should be codified in platform response playbooks before—not after—an outbreak . The test of seriousness is speed, consistency, and the willingness to harden systems against repeat abuse.
This agenda is not about policing thought; it is about defending people and preserving the conditions of free inquiry. Antisemitism strikes at the heart of the Western project: equal citizenship, minority protection, and the integrity of truth against the mob. Democracies have both the legitimacy and the obligation to apply digital tools—transparent standards, smarter detection, robust enforcement, open data, and memory at scale—to protect Jewish communities and the public square alike . When governments set principled expectations, when platforms operationalize them rigorously, and when civil society supplies evidence and accountability, antisemitism recedes and liberty advances.
The path forward is clear. Adopt and enforce explicit antisemitism policies. Invest in AI-assisted moderation grounded in research and shared definitions. Support independent monitoring and publish the data. Expand digital education and remembrance that inoculate against denial and conspiracy thinking. And build crisis protocols that activate before the next surge. This is how free societies win: not by silencing debate, but by refusing to give bigotry the algorithmic advantages it currently enjoys—and by standing, consistently and unapologetically, with the Jewish people and with the democratic values that protect us all .
Feature: Aija Mayrock
By: Aaron Herman
Aija Mayrock stands at the intersection of art and advocacy, using the power of words to turn private pain into public purpose. As an author, activist, and speaker, she has built a body of work devoted to the dignity of young people, the urgency of mental health awareness, and the unyielding insistence that no one should have to suffer in silence. Her journey—rooted in her own experiences with bullying and the emotional challenges that followed—has become a blueprint for resilience. It is a story that illustrates how creativity, courage, and civic-minded activism can strengthen free societies, protect human rights, and open doors to a safer, more inclusive world.
Mayrock first came to national attention as a teenager, transforming her personal ordeal into a practical, compassionate guide for other young people. Rather than allowing bullying to calcify into shame or silence, she channeled those experiences into a resource that spelled out strategies to cope, seek help, and rebuild self-worth. She quickly grew into a voice many young people could trust: a peer who understood the nuances of adolescence—online and offline—and who could translate that understanding into tangible steps toward safety and healing. That early work matured into a broader calling, which she has since advanced through spoken word poetry, storytelling workshops, and public talks that amplify the values of empathy, courage, and individual liberty.
Central to Mayrock’s advocacy is the idea that free expression is not a luxury for the secure; it’s a lifeline for the vulnerable. She treats storytelling as a democratic tool—one that equips young people to name injustice, reject stigma, and build communities that honor the inherent worth of every individual. Her writing and performances demonstrate how language can be both shield and spear: a shield that protects dignity against cruelty, and a spear that punctures silence, exposing the patterns of abuse that thrive without accountability. In every poem and every talk, she models the civic virtue of speaking up, reminding audiences that the right to voice one’s story is a cornerstone of liberal democracy and a precondition for justice.
Mayrock’s influence also extends into mental health awareness, where she elevates a hard but hopeful message: recovery is possible, help is real, and seeking support is a mark of strength. She speaks candidly about the emotional scars that bullying can leave behind—anxiety, depression, isolation—and bridges the gap between personal pain and concrete resources. In doing so, she challenges the cultural myths that equate suffering with weakness or privacy with pride. Her work reframes mental health as a public priority rather than a private secret, urging schools, families, and communities to create ecosystems of care. That approach reflects a core Western principle: social justice is not the opposite of liberty but its fulfillment, because freedom is hollow when people are trapped by fear, intimidation, or untreated trauma.
As a speaker and performer, Mayrock is unmistakably a poet of purpose. Her spoken word blends lyrical precision with ethical clarity, inviting young audiences to find their names, faces, and futures in her stories. She does not offer platitudes; she offers a practice. Her workshops and keynotes equip students and educators with language for difficult conversations, frameworks for bystander intervention, and strategies for cultivating resilient school climates. The effect is both cultural and civic: when young people learn to advocate for themselves and others, they don’t just reduce harm in classrooms—they also acquire the habits of citizenship that keep democratic societies humane and strong.
Mayrock’s work is distinguished by its insistence that education is the bedrock of empowerment. From classroom visits to literary festivals, she underscores that literacy—emotional and academic—enables young people to evaluate ideas, resist manipulation, and participate fully in public life. She champions media awareness and digital citizenship, addressing the new frontiers of cyberbullying and the mental health stressors of always-on social networks. Her guidance helps teens and parents navigate this terrain with clarity and agency, reinforcing the civic value of informed participation in a world where the line between public square and private space is increasingly blurred.
What makes Mayrock especially compelling is her ability to connect the personal to the principled. She doesn’t simply urge kindness; she shows how rights and responsibilities converge in daily life. She calls on peers and adults to stand up to intimidation, to defend the dignity of those targeted, and to build environments where difference is not a liability but a source of strength. In this way, her advocacy aligns with the best traditions of the West: the pursuit of equality under the law; the safeguarding of free inquiry; the rejection of cruelty as a tool of social control; and the belief that communities are at their strongest when they protect the vulnerable and reward moral courage.
Her impact is visible in the countless young people who have found, through her writing and performances, the language to ask for help, the courage to intervene, and the determination to transform their schools and communities. It is also visible in educators who, inspired by her approach, incorporate trauma-informed practices, mental health resources, and clear anti-bullying protocols that elevate accountability without sacrificing compassion. The cultural shift she advances is measured not only in the number of books read or talks delivered but in the daily choices of students who decide, because of her example, to stand up for themselves and each other.
Above all, Aija Mayrock embodies a democratic ethic: she uses her voice so others may find theirs. She meets young people where they are—often online, often hurting—and shows them how to move from silence to speech, from fear to action, from isolation to community. In a time when public discourse can be caustic and the pressure on youth relentless, she demonstrates that resilience is not a solo performance but a shared practice sustained by truth-telling, empathy, and steadfast advocacy.
Her story is a testament to how literature and performance can be instruments of social repair. It affirms that when a society protects free expression and invests in the mental health and safety of its youth, it fortifies the very foundations of self-government. And it reminds us that the most effective defense against cruelty is not censorship or conformity, but the confident assertion of human dignity—especially by those who once felt powerless. Through her writing, poetry, and activism, Aija Mayrock has given this generation both the vocabulary and the vision to turn adversity into agency and to translate private resilience into public good. In doing so, she has helped build what every thriving democracy needs: informed, empathetic, courageous young citizens ready to stand against oppression and for one another.
Through Her Lens: Chen Schimmel Captures the Soul of a Nation in Grief
By: Aaron Herman
At this year’s Jerusalem Post Conference in New York, I had the chance to meet Chen Schimmel—a 25-year-old photojournalist whose work doesn’t just capture images, it captures essence.
There’s a belief in photography that when you take a picture, you take a piece of someone with you. After spending time with Chen and experiencing her work, I can say with certainty: her photographs don’t just call out to you—they transport you. They pull you into a dimension where time is paused and emotion is eternal.
Following the October 7 Hamas massacre, Chen couldn’t sit still. “I had to go,” she told me. That sense of urgency led her to Be’eri, one of the hardest-hit communities, alongside her father, a ZAKA volunteer. What she found there was devastation frozen in time. “The streets were silent. Bikes lay where children had dropped them. Life had been frozen mid-motion, then shattered.”
Two haunting images from Be’eri form the emotional core of her upcoming book, Holy Work. One captures a ZAKA volunteer collecting blood with what Chen describes as “reverence.” The other—titled God’s Rays and Buckets—shows two members of the Haran family kneeling in the ruins of their home. “You see the darkness,” Chen told me. “And yet, the light is there.”
But her lens didn’t stop there.
She continued documenting funerals of soldiers, each frame holding unbearable weight. And then there was the image that stopped me in my tracks—a photograph of Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. It was unlike anything I had seen before.
Chen shared the story behind it. “I don’t usually do staged photos,” she explained. “Rachel asked, ‘What should I do?’ I told her, ‘Just do what you feel.’” What followed was a moment of raw humanity—Rachel collapsed into Jon’s arms. The embrace was fierce, maternal, shattered. It told the story of a lioness in anguish, stripped bare by relentless grief.
I asked Chen what she hopes people take away from her work.
“I want my images to leave a mark,” she said. “I want them to tell the truth—so no one can ever say these atrocities didn’t happen.”
Chen Schimmel is more than a photojournalist. She’s a visual witness, a truth-teller, and a fierce guardian of memory. Through her lens, we don’t just see the tragedy—we feel it, we remember it, and we are called to never forget.
Telling Our Stories: A New Chapter in the Fight Against Antisemitism
As a content creator and journalist, I’ve always believed in the power of stories to educate, inspire, and transform. Stories connect us—across generations, across continents, and across identities. For those of us committed to combating hate and preserving memory, storytelling is not just a tool—it’s a responsibility.
As a third-generation Holocaust survivor, I’ve carried my grandmother’s story with me wherever I go. I’ve shared it at schools, synagogues, and during my own journey with March of the Living. I’ve seen firsthand how personal testimony stirs something deep within people—more than statistics or headlines ever could. The pain, the resilience, the humanity—it resonates.
That’s why I am deeply inspired by a groundbreaking new initiative announced this week at the AJC Global Forum: a partnership between the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the USC Shoah Foundation to document and give voice to contemporary antisemitism through firsthand accounts.
We are at a tipping point. From campuses in the United States to the streets of Paris and Buenos Aires, antisemitism has evolved, spread, and intensified. The events of October 7 only underscored this grim reality. But as history has shown us, personal testimony has the power to shift perceptions and ignite change.
This visionary project aims to collect 10,000 testimonies from Jews who have experienced antisemitism around the world since 1945. This isn’t just an archive—it’s a living, breathing call to action. AJC brings its unmatched global advocacy network, while the Shoah Foundation contributes its unparalleled expertise in testimony collection. Together, they are building what will become the largest contemporary antisemitism archive in the world.
And they’re starting with powerful voices:
- Daniel Pomerantz, survivor of the 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina, who lost 85 community members in a Hezbollah-led terrorist attack.
- Susan Stern, who faced an organized antisemitic campaign during her local run for office in Connecticut, ultimately forcing her family to relocate.
- Antoine Haguenauer, assaulted in Paris for simply attending a memorial for October 7 victims, was told by police his case wasn’t worth pursuing.
Their stories—and thousands more—will help paint a fuller, more urgent picture of what antisemitism looks like today. The collection will highlight experiences from diverse communities, including Mizrahi, Sephardic, Ethiopian, and post-Soviet Jewish populations, as well as victims of antisemitic terror attacks and those living under Communist regimes.
In a world flooded with disinformation and denial, this project is a critical act of truth-telling. It shows that antisemitism is not just a relic of the past—it is a present-day threat with real consequences. And perhaps most importantly, it ensures that the stories of those impacted are not lost or overlooked.
At a time when hatred tries to silence Jewish voices, this partnership makes one thing clear: we will not be silent. We will remember, we will speak out, and we will educate—one story at a time.
Let us amplify this effort. Share it. Support it. And most of all, listen.
Because when we tell our stories, we shape the future.
From Inspiration to Action: Reflections on the ADL’s Never Is Now Conference
By: Aaron Herman
The ADL’s Never Is Now Conference was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students, celebrities, influencers, and organizations unite to learn, connect, and drive meaningful change. From dynamic plenaries to thought-provoking breakout sessions, the event underscored the urgent need to address antisemitism in all its forms—locally and globally.
As I took time to reflect on the experience, one session in particular stood out. It featured content creators and influencers navigating today’s challenging digital landscape. One voice that especially resonated with me was Zack Sage Fox—a bold and fearless advocate who has been at the forefront of exposing antisemitism and anti-Israel bias through dynamic, viral content. His videos have reached millions, shedding light on hatred on college campuses, in communities, and abroad.
Zack said something that struck me deeply:
“Nobody is coming to save us—and we shouldn’t need tragedy to feel proud to be Jewish.”
That hit home. His words were a wake-up call, reminding us that the time for waiting is over. We each have a role to play. Whether it’s creating content, educating others, or having difficult conversations with friends and family—we must act. You don’t need a huge platform. You just need to do something. Don’t wait for the perfect post or the most likes. Impact starts with intention.
These moments of clarity are why gatherings like Never Is Now matter. In a world growing darker with hate, we need these sparks of light and unity to fuel us forward.
Hate on the Rise: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore
The inspiration from the conference feels even more urgent in light of the ADL’s latest report on antisemitism in America. The 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reveals a heartbreaking truth: hate is not only on the rise—it’s breaking records.
- 9,354 antisemitic incidents were recorded across the U.S. in 2024, a 5% increase from 2023.
- That’s a 344% jump over five years and an 893% surge compared to a decade ago.
- This marks the highest total since the ADL began tracking in 1979.
This hate knows no borders. Every state—including Washington, D.C.—reported incidents.
Key trends include:
- Assaults: Up 21%, affecting 250 victims.
- Vandalism: Rose 20%, with 2,606 documented acts.
- Harassment: Reached 6,552 cases.
- Israel/Zionism references: Present in 58% of all incidents—many linked to anti-Israel protests, where chants and signs often crossed the line into outright antisemitism.
College Campuses in Crisis
One of the most alarming findings: antisemitism on college campuses skyrocketed 84% in 2024, reaching 1,694 incidents. Campuses—meant to be spaces of learning and dialogue—are becoming breeding grounds for hate and intimidation. These now account for 18% of all reported incidents.
Jewish Institutions Under Threat
While there was a 14% drop in incidents at Jewish institutions, threats remain persistent and severe. Bomb threats, protests outside synagogues, and harassment have become disturbingly normalized.
The Road Ahead: What We Must Do
This report isn’t just numbers—it’s a wake-up call. Antisemitism is here, it’s growing, and it won’t go away unless we rise to confront it.
We need policymakers who take this seriously. Schools and universities that safeguard their students. Tech platforms that do more than lip service. And most importantly, we need people—you, me, all of us—to stand up, speak out, and take action.
Let’s not wait for another tragedy to find our voice. Let’s use it now. Because if this year taught us anything, it’s that silence helps hate. And action—no matter how small—can make a difference.
Lighting Up the World with Jewish Pride This Chanukah
Chanukah is a time of miracles, light, and resilience—a celebration of Jewish identity and the triumph of spirit over adversity. As we kindle the menorah each night, we’re reminded of the importance of proudly displaying our Judaism. This year, I’ve been reflecting on how we can take that pride beyond the flames of the menorah and into the way we live, celebrate, and even dress.
Enter Tipsy Elves, a company that has taken Chanukah fashion to the next level. From cozy onesies to bold sweaters and even cheeky underwear, their dynamic apparel allows Jews of all ages to celebrate the holiday in style. Personally, I’m a huge fan of their onesies. Not only are they ridiculously comfortable, but they also ensure you’re the life of the party. My family recently wore matching Tipsy Elves outfits to a Chanukah party at our synagogue, and the reaction was priceless. People loved seeing us embrace Jewish pride in such a vibrant, fun, and unapologetic way.
Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a statement. Through creative and dynamic fashion, we can express our individuality and pride while making a powerful statement about who we are as Jews. In a world where antisemitism and hate often make headlines, being “loud and proud” about our Jewish identity is more important than ever.
Chanukah is the perfect time to showcase that pride. The holiday itself is rooted in the story of the Maccabees, who stood up for their beliefs and their heritage against overwhelming odds. Today, we can channel that same spirit by celebrating our traditions and showing the world that Judaism is alive, vibrant, and joyful.
Tipsy Elves is helping to make that possible in a uniquely modern way. Their playful designs bring a little chutzpah to the holiday, encouraging people to embrace their roots and celebrate with flair. Whether it’s a menorah-themed sweater or a dreidel-patterned onesie, their pieces spark conversations, smiles, and connection.
When my family showed up at our Chanukah party decked out in Tipsy Elves gear, it wasn’t just about the laughs or compliments we received. It was about the deeper message: we are proud of who we are, and we’re not afraid to show it. That pride is contagious. It inspires others to feel the same way and creates a ripple effect of positivity and connection within the community.
Now more than ever, we need to embrace opportunities to bring Jewish pride to the forefront. Fashion and apparel might seem like small things, but they have the power to ignite meaningful conversations and help people explore their roots. By wearing our pride on our sleeves (literally!), we can stand tall as a community and share the joy of Judaism with the world.
So this Chanukah, let’s light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and celebrate in style. Whether you’re rocking a Tipsy Elves onesie or a menorah sweater, remember: you’re not just making a fashion statement—you’re making a statement about who you are and the values you hold dear.
Let’s bring the light of Jewish pride to every corner of the world. Happy Chanukah!
Heroes walk among us: This year’s JFNA General Assembly
By: Daniel Rosen
Video: Aaron Herman
On Sunday, major Jewish organizations and communities from across North America gathered for the “Stand Together” rally, an event designed to inspire unity and engagement in the face of rising challenges. The rally marked the opening of this year’s Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly, an annual conference that brings together Jewish leaders and community members to discuss pressing issues, foster solidarity, and strengthen ties.
At the conference, a full array of organizations, foundations, nonprofits, Israeli partners, lifelong activists, concerned citizens, and contributors made up the attendees. There were many heroes walking amongst them – heroes who have been working to secure Israel and the worldwide Diaspora for decades.
Julie Platt, chair of the JFNA, highlighted the importance of this unity and invoked recent interviews with activists as evidence of a growing, urgent need for coordinated action. “It’s all hands on deck,” she said, emphasizing that every participant – whether a veteran leader or a first-time attendee – has a role to play in fortifying their community.
Platt noted JFNA’s remarkable contribution of raising over $700 million to support Israel, stressing the importance of resisting “comfort fatigue” and the critical need to redouble efforts. “This is not the time to step back,” she said. “We must push forward, strengthening our resolve to support Israel and protect our communities.”
A recurring theme she emphasized was the need to become “everyday emissaries,” combating antisemitism and standing up for Jewish values not just at organized events but wherever we are – in grocery stores, on social media, and in every corner of our lives. The responsibility, as Platt articulated, extends to family, community, and nation.
“If we don’t take action now, in an organized and coordinated way, we risk undermining our own future.” Platt also acknowledged the value of blending traditional methods with new approaches in the battle for public opinion and awareness.
Advancing Jewish resilience and innovation
Hindi Poupko, senior vice president of the UJA-Federation of New York, is a professional with a clear vision for what’s needed in today’s dynamic landscape. She is a hero who understands the necessity of embracing big ideas and making true change. She recognizes that traditional ways of doing things must be combined with new ways of meeting the challenges facing the Jewish community. Through her vision, new initiatives are being born with the potential to fight back on social media in coordinated ways and beyond.
Photo Credit: Aaron Herman
Another hero in attendance was a man named Dani Neuman. Dani has spent a lifetime contributing to Israel in a multitude of ways. He is a lifelong friend of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was part of a generation of young people in the early 1970s who were sent to the United States for advanced degrees. He shared how he would go to weekly meetings with Netanyahu and others to discuss ways to succeed in the media war upon their return to Israel. They had a sense of a lifelong duty to the state.
Dani went on to join the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit during the mid-70s, including during the raid on Entebbe, and he has spent the last 55 years working in different capacities for the same goal. Today, at the age of 73, he is still contributing. He represented Israeli foundations as well as Hatzolah Air at the General Assembly. He is a shining example of a hero among us. This level of commitment serves as an example to all of what it means to sacrifice for a greater cause.
Photo Credit: Aaron Herman
Also in attendance was Major General Daniel Goldfus, a hero of the Gaza War and a visionary in military tactics, particularly in countering underground tunnel warfare. His pioneering strategies transformed Israel’s approach to tunnel threats, earning him international recognition as a military innovator and, for many, as a “living legend.” The magnitude of this accomplishment will be studied for generations to come. He is a lion of a man and personifies the meaning of a living legend.
The conference served as a reminder that community engagement and activism come in many forms. All are necessary; all are required. There were hundreds of heroes walking among us there, and they all deserve credit and recognition for their commitments.
JFNA chair Julie Platt, senior executive Hindi Poupko, former IDF spokesman and lifelong contributor Dani Neuman, and Maj.-Gen. Daniel Goldfus are all living heroes doing all they can for the Jewish people. They serve as a reminder of what can be done and what should be done.
Magen David Adom: Israel’s Lifesaving Shield
By: Aaron Herman
This past week, the Jewish Federations of North America hosted their annual General Assembly. The event featured a networking lounge where remarkable organizations showcased their essential work. One standout was Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster response, ambulance, and blood bank service. MDA, known in Hebrew as מד״א or “Red Shield of David,” has been recognized since 2006 as Israel’s national aid society under the Geneva Conventions by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Following the devastating October 7th attacks, Magen David Adom received the American Red Cross’ International Humanitarian Service Award. As rockets continue to rain down on cities like Haifa, MDA’s emergency response teams provide lifesaving assistance. Recently, MDA even extended their reach to Amsterdam, where they aided Israeli soccer fans who had been brutally attacked. Collaborating with El Al, MDA dispatched a team of paramedics and a delegation of doctors and medics from Europe to assist and accompany the injured fans back to Israel.
The Heroes and Tools Behind MDA’s Mission
MDA has an extensive emergency vehicle fleet and over 1,000 paramedics — the largest paramedic team in Israel — supported by more than 32,000 dedicated volunteers. These highly trained professionals handle MDA’s Mobile Intensive Care Units, treating critically ill patients and administering lifesaving care.
MDA also embraces technological innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they introduced remote patient monitoring, allowing paramedics to observe patient vitals from the National Operations Center. This setup added an extra layer of care that has since become an essential part of their operations.
The Marcus National Blood Services Center sustains Israeli lives through blood donations, which are critical for soldiers, surgery patients, and trauma victims. Additionally, MDA’s Milk Bank supports premature infants with lifesaving nutrients that are often as vital as medicine.
Lifesaving Across Israel and Beyond
MDA operates over 200 emergency stations across Israel, serving diverse communities from Tel Aviv to the Jordan Valley. These stations allow MDA teams to respond rapidly, ensuring help arrives where it’s needed most. While staffing Taglit-Birthright Israel, I noticed MDA’s reach firsthand, spotting ambulances, motorbikes, and emergency vehicles across the country. At Machane Yehuda, I met with MDA professionals and saw the smart, purpose-built bikes that let responders navigate dense areas quickly.
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Assad Joe Haddad, one of MDA’s heroes. He explained that MDA unites people from all backgrounds — Jews and non-Jews alike — working together for a shared mission. His words captured the essence of MDA’s commitment: “We’re here to make a difference, no matter what it takes.” October 7th had a profound impact on the organization, but speaking with Haddad, it was clear MDA’s strength and dedication to saving lives were unshaken.
A Commitment to Connection
MDA is not only an emergency response service; it fosters connections between communities and Israel. By dedicating emergency vehicles and equipment to donors, MDA strengthens the bond between communities around the world and the people of Israel. I’ve seen this connection firsthand, as my community recently donated an ambulance. There’s a unique pride that comes from knowing we’ve contributed to Israel’s safety.
Every 24 seconds, MDA deploys an emergency vehicle, supporting the Israeli people from north to south. They’ve adapted to the shifting demands of wartime and peacetime alike, ensuring that Israel’s population is protected through advanced technology, expert training, and a deeply committed team.
In a post-October 7th world, the importance of supporting organizations like Magen David Adom cannot be overstated. They’re the shield Israel needs now more than ever, with their readiness and dedication to save lives lighting the way forward for the entire nation.